In this film adapted from Carson McCullers' novel, Miss Amelia (Vanessa Redgrave) is the kooky moonshiner of her rural Southern community. Though considered eccentric and reclusive, she is in truth exceedingly kind. When a hunchbacked distant relative (Cork Hubbert) comes into town, she eagerly takes him in. Before long, the two have bonded and transformed her lonely mansion into a bustling cafe. But troubles arise when Amelia's ex-husband (Keith Carradine) returns, straight from prison.